Saturday, May 30, 2020

PhilCare CQ Study: Filipinos reinforced faith, most concerned with loved ones' health



The coronavirus has affected everyone and this has caused severe pain to all. Our current situation, which naturally brings a sense of grief, has actually made us Filipinos more spiritual and engaged in fewer vices while on quarantine according to the results of a recent study done nationwide by Philcare, one of the country’s leading HMO providers.

PhilCare panelists: Mr. Jaeger L. Tanco, PhilCare President and CEO; Mr. Raymong Tiangco,  PhilCare VP for Sales and Marketing; Dr. Ultra Tan, PhilCare Associate Medical Director; Roxanne Agustin, Host , and Dr. Fernando Paragas, Lead Researcher PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index

Philcare is very keen on doing a lot of research and data gathering and the goal is to know the mindset and sentiments of the Filipinos. Philcare facilitated the recent survey to determine the Filipinos level of knowledge about Covid-19 pandemic, level of comfort over Community Quarantine (CQ) activities, causes of worry during the CQ, prevention practices, and information sources regarding Covid-19, level of health and wellness during CQ.

The outcome is revealing and inspiring and provided valuable data that should help private sectors, government, as well as individuals to transition to the "new normal".

Researchers of the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index saw this silver lining amid the restrictions of movements imposed by the government to prevent the spread of the disease.


The study, which aimed to determine the state of Filipinos’ wellness while in community quarantine, revealed that of its 800 respondents, eight out of ten (76.7%) said they prayed at least more frequently than they did before the community quarantines. 

Trailing behind were other practices like watching TV, spending time online, learning new things, and doing hobbies; while others said they often engaged in physical and mental exercises.

Meanwhile, six out of ten respondents (60.9%) said they much more rarely drank beer, wine, or liquor products compared to before; while half (50.4%) said they much more rarely smoked. 

The survey was first administered via phone calls to 400 randomly-selected respondents from May 11-14 -- the final stretch of the extended enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and several other areas. Another 400 were interviewed from May 16-20 -- the first days of the modified enhanced community quarantine in the metro and other areas.

“The community quarantines and the pandemic as a whole have altered the way we live, which shocked many Filipinos. This survey provided us the opportunity to take a deeper dive into their sentiments and behaviors when it comes to health and wellness,” said lead researcher Dr. Fernando Paragas of the College of Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines Diliman. 

“The ongoing pandemic naturally makes everyone feel helpless. What’s good about the findings is that we saw how Filipinos turned to spirituality -- which is a positive coping mechanism -- in order to deal with the anxiety. It is interesting that vices only played a minor role in helping Filipinos through the ordeal of quarantine,” said PhilCare Associate Medical Director Dr. Ultra Tan.


While many Filipinos have expressed becoming more prayerful, many have also indicated their fears of returning to work with the ongoing pandemic. Six of ten respondents (60.1%) particularly said they were not comfortable about going back to their offices, similar to the study’s preliminary results.

Nearly all respondents, nonetheless, are most concerned with the health of their loved ones (95.9%), a possible “second wave” of COVID-19 (94.1%), and contracting the disease itself (93.6%).

“We believe that the findings of the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index serve an eye-opener to employers and policymakers on how responsive they should be towards their respective stakeholders given that our way of life has dramatically changed. With these learnings, we hope to work together with various sectors in order for us to continue living healthy even amid the pandemic,” said PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.

“The survey’s results just affirm our belief that we need to be responsive to the needs of the times, from the products and services were to being in step with our customers’ sentiments, both online and offline,” stressed PhilCare Vice President for Sales and Marketing Raymund Tiangco.

PhilCare launched its’ Wellness From Home workout videos as the lockdown across Luzon began last March. The videos, uploaded on PhilCare’s Facebook page, featured exercises taught by fitness experts to help followers achieve optimal wellness despite being unable to go out to exercise. To date, the videos have reached 500,000 people, of which 350,000 have viewed them.

In addition, PhilCare offers its DigiConsult service, a timely response to the study’s findings wherein members need not leave their homes to be able to consult a doctor on the phone anytime. They just have to use their HeyPhil app, which can be downloaded on Google Play and the App Store. The health maintenance organization (HMO) is also working to have the service available to non-members the soonest.

Prior to the PhilCare Community Quarantine Wellness Index, the HMO commissioned studies measuring the overall state of being happy, healthy, and successful among Filipinos in 2014 and again in 2019.







Monday, May 25, 2020

Positive mind. Positive vibes. Positive life.

IAmBand bracelet

Positive thinking is when we consciously cultivate positivity in our minds so that we think we can get through anything.  And it’s been scientifically proven to improve your work life, physical and mental health, and relationships.

Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, I find it really challenging to get a decent sleep at night. My mind keeps wandering off, I get scared, I think about a lot of things. I get stressed for reasons I don't know. That got worse when ECQ happened. I fall asleep on the break of dawn. As a result, I am easily irritated, grumpy, and I often get headaches. That is not healthy because negative thoughts and emotions, can skew our perspective and in the long-term, damage our self-esteem.

That was the case until I received a gift from a friend (via courier), an IAMBAND bracelet that can block negative vibes, creates positive energy, and boosts health. I was really curious if it's really true. My friend said that once I put it on, do not take it off so that I can feel the effects immediately.



I noticed that during the first few days I noticed there is calmness in me. Even when the people at the house are still as rowdy as ever, I don't easily get angry at them. Even when it crossed my mind that they were doing it on purpose, I don't mind. When I first wore the bracelet, I also prayed for guidance, and every time I feel that I am going to give in with anger, I hold the bracelet and pray again. It probably helped boost its effects. So far, I am happy with my bracelet and it's worked wonders for me. Aside from me really fond of silver, I have yet to been unwell since I wore the IAMBAND bracelet.

Like and follow iamband on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter . You may purchase at their online stores:
https://the-i-am-band.myshopify.com

Worrying does not take away tomorrow's trouble; it takes away today's peace. STAY POSITIVE.



Saturday, May 23, 2020

How to make your home life better during quarantine

Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli signs a contract as the new celebrity endorser of leading appliance brand Hanabishi.  Present during the signing were Hanabishi's top executives (front row, from left) Cherish Ong-Chua, Vice President, Finance and Marketing; Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli; Candice Ong-Ang, Vice President, Operations; (back row, from left)  Jasper Ong, President; and Jevon Ong, Vice President, Purchasing and Merchandising.

Hanabishi Philippines’ new celebrity endorser Sarah Geronimo-Guidicelli encourages families to find ways to make their home life better during quarantine. The Popstar advices people to stay at home and learn a new skill like cooking or baking as they have more time at their disposal. Get the kids to make their own merienda or midnight snacks, catch up on the series you’ve been wanting to see, or finally finish that book you’ve been putting off reading for months.

Tulungan po natin ang ating mga frontliners at ating gobyerno ngayong mga panahong ito na tayo ay nahaharap sa pagsubok. Sa halip na nakatuon tayo sa mga negatibong bagay, gumawa po tayo ng paraan upang lalong mas mapaganda ang ating buhay sa loob ng ating mga tahanan. (Let us help our front-liners and the government during these challenging times. Instead of focusing on the negative, let’s find ways to do to make our home life better),” Geronimo-Guidicelli says.

If you’re looking for kitchen appliances to help you make your first dish, you can now easily place an order for one through the Hanabishi website, www.myhanabishi.com.

They have broilers, grillers, fryers, electric cookers, and juice blenders. You can also buy mixers, food processors, steamers, pressure cookers, and stoves from the site.

Apart from the kitchen appliances mentioned above, you may also order Hanabishi’s electric fans and coolers; air-conditioning units; refrigerators; rice cookers; water dispensers; garment care appliances; and vacuums and sterilizers through their website.

Nagpapasalamat ako sa bago ‘kong kapamilya, ang Hanabishi. Alam naman ng pamilyang Pilipino na ang Hanabishi ay isa sa pinagkakatiwalaang brand of appliances dito sa atin. Ang mga kailangan natin upang mapasaya ang ating buhay pamilya habang tayo ay naka-quarantine ay mabibili na online mula sa Hanabishi. (I am grateful to my new family, Hanabishi. Filipino families have known Hanabishi as one of the most trusted brands in the country. The things we need to make our family life happy while on quarantine can now be bought online from Hanabishi,” Sarah further adds.

Hanabishi currently offers free shipping for small items. You can have your order picked up at their warehouse at Meycauayan, Bulacan or choose to have it delivered to your preferred address.

Placing an order is easy. Visit the Hanabishi website and add to cart the appliance you want to order. Make a payment through Metrobank, BDO, Dragonpay, or PayPal.

Choose between the pickup and delivery options. Deliveries will be made through either Transportify or Lalamove. Wait for the confirmation, and then you’re through.


For inquiries about the free shipping on small items, you may call Nikki at 0966-8137150; Lot at 0927-3084741; Je at 0932-5657796; or Pearl at 0997-6024956.


Friday, May 22, 2020

Call and Collect with ACE Hardware



ACE Hardware’s Call & Collect service is now available in selected areas nationwide. Just call or text our store, wait for order confirmation then arrange preferred delivery service.

Truly the helpful place, ACE Hardware continues to provide solutions to everything you need for your home repair projects with its Call & Collect service.


These ACE’s Rust Stop spray paints in primer and gloss type will help protect your home from rust and corrosion with excellent adhesion.

Your home improvement work will be a lot easier with high performance cordless drills / drivers in compact and lightweight designs; while ACE Exclusive hand tools are great for minor repairs like fixing a leaking tap, or repairing broken electrical sockets.
Give your home a fresh new look with lead-free and odorless ACE Paints and painting supplies. Prevent your home from rust and corrosion by spraying ACE Rust Stop paints direct to metal surfaces.

Update your home with energy-efficient lighting to help you save on costs. Choose from ACE’s wide array of energy-saving LED Lights.

Replacing your lights with LED bulbs is also another way to update your home. Choose from ACE Hardware’s wide array of energy saving light bulbs and fixtures as well as durable and high quality extension cords.



How to shop with ACE Hardware’s Call & Collect service? 

Just call or text participating ACE stores, wait for order confirmation and arrange preferred delivery service. Then your items will be delivered it to you immediately.

This service is now currently available in selected ACE Hardware branches located in SM Malls nationwide. In Metro Manila areas, you can Call & Collect at ACE stores at the SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM City Fairview, SM Center Pasig, SM Sucat, SM Marikina, SM Novaliches and SM Muntinlupa. Selected ACE Hardware Call & Collect stores in North and South Luzon areas as well as in Visayas and Mindanao are also included.

You can also shop online for ACE products at www.acehardware.ph, ShopSM, Lazada or Shopee. For more details, you may also want to like Ace Hardware's official Facebook page at facebook.com/acehardwarephilippines or follow official Instagram account, @acehardware_ph.

Canva Philippines Recognized Among Best Workplaces in PH


Online design platform Canva was named among the Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work Philippines, the only startup to make it to the list. Placing on top three, Canva Philippines runs shortly after Synchrony Global Services Philippines, DHL Express. Others in the top five were Icon Hilton and Ingram Micro.

Great Place to Work ranks companies according to their high-performing culture, trust in their managers, and how employees take pride and joy in the work that they do. Guided by its values — be a force for good, empower others, pursue excellence, be a good human, make complex things simple, and set crazy big goals — Canva has put its employees’ wellbeing as a top priority to encourage them to deliver work that creates meaningful impact in the lives of their partners and communities.

Canva Philippines Country Manager Yani Hornilla Donato said, “This recognition gives us a sense of fulfillment that we are on the right track of providing a healthy and sustainable workplace
In 2019, Canva announced its valuation of US$3.2 billion, making it one of the fastest growing startups in the world. Donato added, “At a time when startups continue to be on the rise, this only goes to show that we can provide a fulfilling workplace to our employees and that we are here to stay”

The onset of COVID-19 also motivated Canva Philippines to show that workplace culture goes far beyond the physical workplace. As a high-growth start-up, it leveraged its adaptable and agile teams to get the job done. In return, Canva remains committed to safeguard not only its employees’ livelihood but also their health and wellness.                                                           
Working from home means they have doubled down on communicating through video conferences and Slack channels. The clubs they have at work have been uploaded into virtual communities they can tune in to such as a make-up tutorial group, and deskcersise group. They have also retained the jobs of their in-house chef and baristas and have provided a channel where they show simple recipes with basic ingredients and brewing coffee from home.

In addition to this, each employee has been provided with food and internet allowance; pocket wifi units were also given out to aid remote work. Those who were recently from overseas were also provided with hotel accommodation to delay physical contact with their families.

Prior to the quarantine, Canva Philippines was already proactive in going the extra mile for its Canvanauts by encouraging their passions with activities such as movement corner, chair yoga, and even table tennis. Canva’s latest recognition only goes to show that it pays for companies to invest in its people.

For more information on Canva, visit https://www.canva.com/.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Ever organics soothing gel | Korean Gel Moisturizers

Jump in the skin care craze with Korean gel 
moisturizers suitable for the tropics

Every Filipina can now achieve supple skin with Ever Organics Soothing Gel which uses natural ingredients and are formulated in Korea. 


These gel moisturizers come in three variants infused with natural skin-loving ingredients like Aloe Vera and Tomato to keep all skin types nourished and hydrated: Ever Organics 95% Aloe Vera Soothing Gel, which is naturally extracted from Aloe Vera plants, is suitable for all skin types. It repairs the reduces dark spots, and soothes puffy eyes. It is also Alcohol & Paraben free and contains Centella Asiatica extracts that soothes sunburn and inflammation. 

Fortified with tomato extracts, the Ever Organics 95% Tomato Soothing Gel brightens and revitalizes the skin, giving it a youthful glow. It regulates sebum production and contains antioxidants that fight skin aging. It also aids in skin dryness and irritation perfect for sensitive skin. Use it to minimize the appearance of pores and achieve Korean glass skin while protecting it from sun damage.

The Ever Organics Ice Jeju Aloe Soothing Gel is enhanced with cooling effect. It moisturizes the skin while boosting suppleness and evening out skin texture. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that soothe irritated and red skin. This soothing gel that contains aloe from Jeju plant is ideal for combination to dry skin.  

Give your skin the moisture it deserves by copping the Ever Organics Soothing Gel available Lazada on May 22 for only P188.00 per tub. For more information, follow Ever Organics social media pages Facebook (@EverOrganics) and Instagram (@ever_organics).


Ace your makeup skills during quarantine


Life in lockdown has given us plenty of opportunities to master new skills. If you’re eager to learn but don’t know where to start, why not take a page from Ever Bilena, the country’s leading cosmetics brand, and follow their makeup tips and techniques so you can come out looking young and fresh, post lockdown.


Natural flush
While you can’t get that bronzed skin from an excursion to the beach this summer, you can still achieve a natural flush with the EB Blush Rush or the EB Matte Color Sticks.

EB Blush Rush

The EB Blush Rush has a watery-gel consistency with roll-on applicator while the EB Matte Color Stick is creamy matte in consistency, making both products easy to blend on your cheeks, eyes and lips.

EB Matte Color Sticks

For a sun-kissed glow, strategically apply on points of the face where the sun hits most, such as the cheeks, nose and a little above the brows. Blend with your ring finger (remember to thoroughly wash your hands regularly/before applying makeup) to sink the product naturally into the skin.
Upgrade the look by adding faux freckles using brown eyeliner. Before doing so, set your tint with powder then dot your nose and cheeks with the eyeliner. With your ring finger, tap over the top to blend and make it look more natural.

Daytime to nighttime makeup with three basic shades 

Ever Bilena’s Chocolate Palette

Eye makeup can be intimidating or overwhelming, especially for beginners. But the great thing about makeup is it allows you to have fun and experiment with different looks. A great product to start with is the basic shades of Ever Bilena’s Chocolate Palette. Apply medium shade brown all over the lid and lower lash line. With your pinkie, press into the lightest color in the palette and apply on to the inner corners to open up the eyes. Take your look from daytime to nighttime by patting on the darkest shade of brown on the outer crease of the eyes and then blend.

Ace these simple makeup techniques to make your everyday look flawless, even while at home, using these products available on Ever Bilena’s official page on Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph). Blush Rush and Color Matte Sticks are sold in bundles in all available shades. To know more makeup tips, visit Ever Bilena’s official Facebook page (@everbilenacosmetics) and Instagram (@everbilenaofficial).

Monday, May 18, 2020

Chicken Bistek in Butter Sauce

Hi mga #FrontlinerNgTahanan! Alam nyo ba na hindi lang sa mainit na tinapay masarap ang #DariCremePH ? Gawing mas masarap ang ating lutuin sa araw-araw. Kagaya na lang ng ginawa namin ngayon.

Chicken Bistek in Butter Sauce


Ingredients

chicken
lemon or calamansi juice
soy sauce
onions
garlic
black pepper
salt
Dari creme

Instructions

1. Boil chicken ( ganito kami magluto ng chicken, pinapakuluan muna namin kasi ayaw namin na bloody ang chicken). Remove from water.

2. In a bowl, combine chicken, onions, garlic, black pepper, lemon juice, and soy sauce. Massage the marinade into the meat and marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Drain chicken and squeeze excess liquid. Reserve marinade and aromatics.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken and reserved onions and garlic from the marinade.

4. Cook, stirring regularly until chicken is lightly browned.

5. Add reserved marinade and water and bring to a boil.

6. Lower heat, cover, and continue to cook for about 20 to 30 minutes or until sauce is reduced.

7. Add Dari Creme and stir to dissolve. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes. This won’t add a serious amount of thickness, but it will give you an extra boost.
8. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with sliced oninon rings, if desired. Serve.

Tips:

Saute the meat in onion and garlic and garnish with additional onion rings when ready to serve for presentation

Do not marinate for too long as the acids in the lemon or calamansi will denature the protein fibers and turn the meat mushy. Thirty minutes to an hour should be enough to boost flavor.

Drain the chicken well and squeeze off any excess liquid so it will brown properly. Reserve the marinade and the aromatics.

Make sure to swirl the butter into your sauce at the very end of the cooking process. The butter-infused sauce will break if it’s exposed to high heat, defeating the purpose of its thickening power.

Give this chicken bistek in butter sauce a try and make sure to have plenty of rice ready.  Hearty and full-on flavor, it’s sure to be a family favorite.

Enjoy!

Monday, May 11, 2020

Join “The Pop Stage” to win Php1M and talent contract





Dreaming of becoming the next big pop star? Well, even in quarantine, you might just get the big break that will change your life forever.

Singer-actor Matteo Guidicelli will be setting up an online talent reality competition titled "The Pop Stage" to discover the next idol in the entertainment industry. The show will be presented by Popeyes in partnership with Viva Artists Agency.

"There are so many talented Filipinos, a lot of viral videos, a lot of crazy performances going around, but we want to make it legit. We want everyone in the world to see your skills and what you can do," Guidicelli said during the online launch of Central Delivery, a new delivery service that also offers food items from Popeyes Philippines.


To join “The Pop Stage,” just visit www.thepopstage.ph and send a video of your audition piece. You may sing, dance, play instruments, do magic, or perform whatever talent worth showing off.

Of course, this once in a lifetime opportunity also comes with the most amazing prizes. The winner of "The Pop Stage" will receive a cash prize worth Php 1 million and a one-year contract with Viva Artists Agency.


Guidicelli explained that the entries will be deliberated by a panel of judges. Those who will be chosen will be featured on a weekly show that will be streamed both on The Pop Stage’s Facebook Page at @thepopstage and Matteo Guidicelli’s Facebook page at @matteog. No need for selected contestants to leave their homes for the weekly show - arrangements will be made so they can stream from their current locations.


All individuals or groups (maximum of 4 members) who are ages 13 to 25 years old are encouraged to send their audition tapes from May 9 to May 27, 2020.

For more details, you can check out www.thepopstage.ph and follow The Pop Stage’s Facebook and Instagram at @thepopstage and the hashtag #thepopstage.


Thursday, May 7, 2020

Surprise Mom with A Stay Home Celebration



SM curates delivery services in Viber in time for Mom’s Day


ECQ on Mother's day? No problem. 
SM Supermalls encourages everyone to celebrate Mother’s Day at home in line with the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine. To further encourage the public to stay inside their homes, 30 SM malls in Metro Manila and nearby areas in Bulacan and Rizal are curating information on the delivery services of the restaurants present in their establishments in the Viber group Take Out and Delivery at SM.


Launched last April 13, the Take Out and Delivery at SM Viber initiative is a food guide that allows customers to explore the available options for delivery in time for special celebrations like Mother’s Day, or just for the satisfaction of regular food cravings. With the curation of the food guide, customers could now also easily identify the variety of food options available for delivery in their area. As of writing, the group has 80,000 members. The Take Out and Delivery at SM curators include in their message the following information: restaurant name, location, available time of service and food type.

Curators also include in their message the restaurants’ contact details since customers are required to transact directly with the establishments. Some of the restaurants in the group are also partners of some food delivery apps, such Grab Food, Lala Food and Food Panda.

SM Supermalls reminds those who will be engaging in home deliveries to continue exercising social distancing and to wear a face mask. The customers are also encouraged to wash their hands after every transaction.

To join the Take Out and Delivery at SM Viber group, customers may click this link:


Customers may also search for the nearest SM mall to them through clicking this link:
http://bit.ly/AllSMSupermalls. Other SM affiliates that offer essential goods and services are also operational. To get to know the store hours of these affiliates, customers may click the following links:


Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Extra special Mother’s Day at home with The Manila Hotel


Clockwise from bottom: Mango Cheesecake, Ohaina Chocolate Gateau, Opera Cake, Trio of Chocolate Mousse

Mother’s Day is a yearly reminder to cherish our relationship with our moms. Given this year’s unique circumstances, many of us will be celebrating this special day at home or even away from the special women in our lives—mom, grandmas, and aunts. Still, even when fancy dinners are impossible, Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be canceled. With some creativity and preparation, you can still give the most special woman in your life the Mother’s Day she deserves.

The Manila Hotel pulls all the stops for you to still be able to give her a memorable Mother’s Day. This home celebration will have a five-star hotel feel and The Manila

Hotel will make sure it gets close to a real feast.


The Manila Hotel’s Mother’s Day Surprise gives you discounts when you choose to order the food-and-cake bundle and pay online on or before May 8, 2020 (Friday). 

You may choose items from the A La Carte Menu or Home Buffet sets (Filipino, Italian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese favotires, as well as Certified Halal items) and get a 20% discount on your food bill, and a 10% discount on the cake of your choice.


Because mothers deserve  only the best, you can choose from Manila Hotel's  awesome selection: our decadent Opera Cake; Ohaina Chocolate Gateau, a Lifestyle Inquirer Best Dessert Winner; the mouthwatering Trio of Chocolate Mousse, and amazing Mango Cheesecake.

To order or for more information, please call 8527 0011 or message 0998-9501912.